Free Random Acts of Murder: A Holly Anna Paladin Mystery, Book 1 (Holly Anna Paladin Mysteries) by Christy Barritt Page B

the side of justice. If someone is killing people, he needs to be behind bars. ”
    “I only started talking to you because I thought I could trust you.”
    “You can trust me, Little T. I don’t want anyone getting hurt.”
    “Well, no one knows who he is. He has people that do his bidding for him. All I know is that I need to stay away. And, if you’re smart, you will, too.”
     
    ***
     
    After the kids had cleared out, I stuck around for a few minutes to talk to Abraham, the director. I found him in the game area putting away the Ping-Pong paddles and balls. He was in his midthirties with thin, dark brown hair and a pudgy stomach. He’d been a high school basketball player at one time, but middle age had apparently gotten the best of him. Still, the kids here liked him and trusted him.
    He looked up when I trudged into the room. “Holly. What are you still doing here?”
    I paused by the foosball table and propped my hip there. “Just wanted to check in. How are things going here?”
    He smiled wearily , latching the box where he kept the sports equipment. “You doing the social worker thing?”
    I shook my head. “Just the friend thing.”
    He sighed and straightened, exhaustion showing in the circles under his eyes. “Overall, we’re doing fine. I wish I could concentrate just on running the center and not on trying to raise funds for it and doing all the paperwork. I guess that comes with the territory, though.”
    He began straightening chairs against the wall as we spoke. I knew I should help, but he wasn’t the only one feeling exhausted. I needed to up my vitamin intake or something. I hoped my weariness wasn’t a sign of the cancer’s progress.
    I crossed my arms, hoping to sound more casual than I felt. “I know this might sound kind of strange, but have you noticed anything unusual about the kids lately?”
    He threw me a curious look. “Not especially. Why do you ask?”
    I shook my head again. “I’m just curious. You know, with everything that’s been happening around town lately and all.”
    “I know. Those murders are pretty crazy, aren’t they? I mean, what kind of freak cleans up before murdering someone?”
    I nodded, hoping my cheeks didn’t heat and that I didn’t give any other telltale sign of my involvement. “Exactly. Have you ever heard of Caligula?”
    He shook his head. “ The Roman emperor?”
    “No, a gang leader who goes by the same name.”
    “I can’t say I have. Why?”
    I shrugged it off. “Just wondering. I like to keep my pulse on things going on in the community. What affects one person affects us all.”
    “It’s true. If I hear anything, I’ll let you know. I want to keep these kids away from stuff like that. But if the DEA hasn’t been able to stop America’s drug problem, I have my doubts that I’m going to be able to either.”
    “Even if you just help one person make wise decisions, it’s worth it.”
    I turned to walk away when Abraham called my name. I paused.
    “By the way, Hannah and I may be taking a trip out of town. If we do, I was wondering if you might cover for us here?”
    I nodded. “Sure, I’d be happy to help. When’s the trip?”
    “Maybe in a couple of weeks. We’ll have to see how it all works out.”
    “Going anywhere exciting?”
    He grinned. “The Bahamas, I hope.”
    I tried to keep any judgment out of my mind. But I couldn’t believe that Abraham could afford a trip to the Bahamas. He and Hannah lived in a run-down apartment, drove a fifteen-year-old car, and never ate out because of the cost.
    Where did he get the money for that? Unless . . .
    I mentally shook off the thoughts. No way was Abraham in some way involved with this whole drug thing. I mean, sure, he had access to a lot of the kids around here, but he would never do something like that. I felt ashamed for even thinking the thought.
    “Sounds nice,” I finally said.
    “Yeah, I think it will be good for us.”
    “Just let me know the